Networking Specialist

Program Overview

The Networking Specialist diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing. Graduates are to be competent in the general areas of humanities or fine arts, social or behavioral sciences, and natural sciences or mathematics, as well as in the technical areas of computer terminology and concepts, program design and development, system design and analysis, security, troubleshooting, and computer networking. Program graduates are qualified for employment as networking specialists.

Students may enter the Networking Specialist diploma program any semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 5 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 54 semester credit hours.

Career Traits/Requirements

Individuals wanting to enroll in the Networking Specialist diploma program must show initiative; be willing to continue education as technology advances; be interested in operating systems and applications, networking theory and solutions, configuring, and troubleshooting; be organized; have the ability to multi-task; and possess a strong work ethic.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode

North Campus (Sandersville)

South Campus (Dublin)

Online (Distance Education)

Salary Potential

$30,000.00 – $50,000.00

Program Costs

HOPE Career Grant:
The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them.

To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:

9 or more credit hours – $500/semester

3-8 credit hours – $250/semester

1-2 credit hours – $125/semester

Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award

High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Computer Information Systems-Networking Specialist diploma program are prepared for performing many different types of jobs. Graduates can find employment in the areas of computer hardware and software sales, installation and repair, computer networking, system design and analysis, security, troubleshooting, and software and technical support. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.

Admission Requirements

Submit a completed application and application fee;

Be at least 16 years of age;

Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;

Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;

Meet assessment requirements by taking the entrance placement test. In lieu of the placement test, official scores on COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, ACT, PSAT or GED may be substituted.

Curriculum

ContactHoursCreditHours

Course Overview

BASIC SKILLS COURSES

ENGL1010Fundamentals of English I3 credit hours45 contact hours

Prerequisites: ENGL 0097, READ 0097

Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

This course serves to provide students with the knowledge of the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security along with the skills required to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components with an introduction to the fundamentals of installing and maintaining computers. Students will develop the skills to identify the basic functionality of the operating system, perform basic troubleshooting techniques, utilize proper safety procedures, and effectively interact with customers and peers. This course is designed to help prepare students for the CompTIA A+ certification examination.

COLL1060Introduction to College and Computers3 credit hours50 contact hours

Prerequisites: Provisional Admission

This course is designed to provide tools to assist students in the acquisition of skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen program of study. Topics include: Getting to Know Your College, Learning Styles, Computer Literacy, Time and Financial Management, Stress Management and Wellness, Studying and Test-Taking Skills, and Communication Skills.3741

XXXXXXXXCIS Operating Systems Course3 credit hours0 contact hours

Prerequisites:

965

XXXXXXXXCIS Security Course3 credit hours0 contact hours

Prerequisites:

1112

XXXXXXXXGuided Elective - 9 Credit Hours9 credit hours contact hours

Prerequisites:

3192

MICROSOFT SPECIALIZATION

CIST2411Microsoft Client4 credit hours90 contact hours

Prerequisites: Program Admission

Provides the ability to implement, administrator, and troubleshoot Windows Professional Client as a desktop operating system in any network environment.